Giannis and Portis gone?

[weeds]

To the Heat for 4 players and 3 first rounders?

Miami Heat acquire two-time NBA MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo, according to reports

Antetokounmpo, 31, won a championship with the Milwaukee Bucks in 2021.

www.nbcnews.com

 

[Heyjoe4]

To the Heat for 4 players and 3 first rounders?

Miami Heat acquire two-time NBA MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo, according to reports

Antetokounmpo, 31, won a championship with the Milwaukee Bucks in 2021.

www.nbcnews.com

Yep, I'm afraid so. This is bittersweet. On the one hand, the Bucks now have the ammo for a rebuild. I was surprised atb how much they got in the trade. There are no guarantees, but they just became a lot younger.

But seeing Giannis leave is heartbreaking. If ever there was a "Milwaukee guy" in sports, Giannis was at the top of that list. I wish him and his family all the best in Miami.

 

[DoURant]

Yep, I'm afraid so. This is bittersweet. On the one hand, the Bucks now have the ammo for a rebuild. I was surprised atb how much they got in the trade. There are no guarantees, but they just became a lot younger.

But seeing Giannis leave is heartbreaking. If ever there was a "Milwaukee guy" in sports, Giannis was at the top of that list. I wish him and his family all the best in Miami.

I agree with this 100%, and in all honesty, I think everyone should be able to agree that for the future of the team, it really needed to be done.

 

[Heyjoe4]

I agree with this 100%, and in all honesty, I think everyone should be anle to agree that for the future of the team, it really needed to be done.

Correct DoURant. Anyone surprised by this hasn't been paying attention. Anyone following the Bucks should have known this would be Giannis' last year as a Buck.

I'm also saddened by the departure of Portis, another hometown favorite.

These moves are both necessary and painful. But hey, Giannis gave us many, many years of competitive basketball and a championship. Can't ask for more. Bobby Portis is just, well, Bobby Portis - and probably loved as much by fans as Giannis.

For Giannis' sake, I hope someday he gets another ring, maybe while the Bucks rebuild. He is a champion in every way.

 

[Heyjoe4]

So the Bucks have the #10 overall pick in tonight's draft, and the 13th in the trade with Miami.

Question for the forum - how did the Bucks get the #10 pick? And to preface that - I thought the team had traded all of its first round picks until 2029 or 2030, way out there.

At any rate , it's exciting that they get two picks this high, along with the young, talented players they received from Miami in the trade. I hate to see Giannis leave. All good things gotta come to an end I guess…….

I'm just wondering how the Bucks have a first round pick this year, even without the trade. Thanks all! Joe

 

[Firethorn1001]

I'm just wondering how the Bucks have a first round pick this year, even without the trade. Thanks all! Joe

They effectively don't have control over their picks until 2031 I believe as that Lillard trade just absolutely destroyed their future.

This year was a pick swap year. They had a pick swap with NO, but then NO traded that swap to ATL. ATL had #8 and Milwaukee #10 so they retained the #10 overall because ATL was higher. Thankfully otherwise NO without a 1st rounder would have just taken Milwaukee's pick

I do not believe they have any 1st round picks in 2027 or 2029. 2028 and 2030 are pick swaps.

Hopefully Herro is flipped for more capital. He isn't going to be loved in Milwaukee that's for sure.

 

[Firethorn1001]

On a separate note, glad its over. Stinks that they will be wandering in the wilderness now possibly for the rest of my life, but after Favre and Rodgers my give a $#!@ meter for superstar passive-aggressive back and back forth 'do I want to be here or don't I' is pretty much empty.

National media gets what they want because they have wanted Giannis out of Milwaukee for the last 6 years.

 

[DoURant]

They effectively don't have control over their picks until 2031 I believe as that Lillard trade just absolutely destroyed their future.

This year was a pick swap year. They had a pick swap with NO, but then NO traded that swap to ATL. ATL had #8 and Milwaukee #10 so they retained the #10 overall because ATL was higher. Thankfully otherwise NO without a 1st rounder would have just taken Milwaukee's pick

I do not believe they have any 1st round picks in 2027 or 2029. 2028 and 2030 are pick swaps.

Hopefully Herro is flipped for more capital. He isn't going to be loved in Milwaukee that's for sure.

This roster is going to get dismantled a lot further before the season. Herro won't play a day in Milwaukee, and Kuzma will probably be dealt amongst a few others. There were talks of a 4 team trade in the past week... this part is the first step that had to happen.

 

[Pokerbrat2000]

I'm Happy for Giannis. I hope he has success in Miami.

I'm Happy that he wasn't traded to the Celtics, which was the rumored other team still in the mix.

I'm Happy that the Bucks finally have some draft Capital to play with.

*************************

I'm unhappy that Horst will probably trade or waste the draft picks we got.

I'm unhappy to see Giannis play elsewhere.

I'm unhappy that Horst didn't do a better job with the team while Giannis was a Buck.

**************************

I'm unhappy and happy that I will have more free time, since I doubt I will watch many Bucks games in the next few years.

 

[Pugger]

Giannis and Porter are getting a little long in the tooth and Giannis especially missed many more games than he played. It was time. But it is rather sad to see the last 2 remaining players from that championship team leave.

 

[DoURant]

The (2) 1st Rd picks the Bucks drafted tonight.

#10 Brayden Burries -G- Arizona
#13 Nate Ament -F- Tennessee

Welcome to Milwaukee gentlemen!

 

[Pokerbrat2000]

Giannis and Porter are getting a little long in the tooth and Giannis especially missed many more games than he played. It was time. But it is rather sad to see the last 2 remaining players from that championship team leave.

This is a valid point with Giannis. While I don't think that 31 is too old for basketball, I do think his rash of injuries where probably in the back of the Bucks minds. Had they decided to continue on with him and not trade him, they risked another major injury, that would have made his value possibly plummet.

Unlike the Packers trading Rodgers because they felt his career had peaked and they had a backup plan, I think the Bucks traded their superstar while his trade value was still high and his game was still at the top.

 

[Voyageur]

Giannis no longer had the game presence with the cast that surrounded him. As I look at the make-up of what's left of the Heat's roster, it's not going to be any better. He needs players who can make plays because he becomes a one-trick-pony driving to the hoop when there isn't a lot of ball movement and opportunities for other players to make shots. The Bucks were standing around watching him play a one-man game. That doesn't cut it, and the injuries mount up when you expose yourself on drives like he did constantly.

I hate that they wasted the opportunities with him there, but it was time to pull the plug because his salary alone was draining the cap pool to get surrounding players that could help. Add in the wasted money every year from Lillard and it was not workable.

I wasn't certain on the picks them made, then I took a look at the new roster and they weren't bad moves. I'm going to guess we're going to see Herro traded away for draft capital for 2027 & 2028, or a 2028 with a young prospect. We might see Myles Turner traded as well, for a young prospect. These would be cap clearing moves. The Bucks could eat a few high-salary players in these swaps for the upcoming season and shed a ton of cap room going into 2027, so they could reach out and grab some huge talent in the free agency market following the upcoming season. You give away this coming season to gain cap room and draft capital down the road. Also, I see Kuzma gone for a pick next year eating more cap this year.

Surprisingly, eating bad contracts for one year can actually be extremely beneficial to a team about to do a rebuild. You need to work your young players you have at low-salary levels into the system and find out which ones you want to invest in for the future, and which ones you let walk.

My problem is that I don't believe Horst is the man to make this transition. As far as our new head coach? I haven't got a clue where he's going to take us.

 

[Heyjoe4]

They effectively don't have control over their picks until 2031 I believe as that Lillard trade just absolutely destroyed their future.

This year was a pick swap year. They had a pick swap with NO, but then NO traded that swap to ATL. ATL had #8 and Milwaukee #10 so they retained the #10 overall because ATL was higher. Thankfully otherwise NO without a 1st rounder would have just taken Milwaukee's pick

I do not believe they have any 1st round picks in 2027 or 2029. 2028 and 2030 are pick swaps.

Hopefully Herro is flipped for more capital. He isn't going to be loved in Milwaukee that's for sure.

Thanks Fire, much appreciated. Yeah the Lillard trade was a costly disaster, and totally unnecessary. The Bucks had found the missing piece when they acquired Holiday. Holiday and his family fit right into Milwaukee, and he helped them finally get over the last hurdle to win a championship in 2021. That trade was wrong on too many fronts to count.

And I think the Bucks gave away something like four 2nd round picks for Jae Crowder, who did nothing for the team.

I'm not sure if Herro will fit here or not. It's a homecoming and he's young enough to be part of the rebuild that is coming. I hope they keep him. Time will tell. We're all going to have to get used to a team without Giannis. That's gonna be very hard.

 

[DoURant]

Roster is still shaking out.

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[Voyageur]

LaVert gives the Bucks some young experience on the wing. They're going to need it in depth. Not a bad move considering both players they traded are in last years of contracts and probably not going to be resigned anyhow. Also, it gave them some 2nd round picks that they sorely need after giving so many away like gum drops in previous trades.

Surprisingly, this team as it shakes out could win close to 40 games which I'd consider a successful season.

 

[Poppa San]

Surprisingly, this team as it shakes out could win close to 40 games which I'd consider a successful season.

That's close enough to .500 to make the playoffs.

 

[Voyageur]

That's close enough to .500 to make the playoffs.

There are some interesting talents that came to the Bucks through this trade. Jacquez is a prime example. He was the #2 man in the league for 6th-man in voting. That has to make you smile considering he averaged over 15 a game last year. He's a swing player at 6-6 and can move freely around the court. Add in Ware at 7 ft., and you have what could be our "future center," replacing overpriced Myles Turner. Add in Jericho Sims at center and you have a much better depth than we've had in the past.

The list of guards is incredible. The Bucks will be trading some of that talent for 2nd round picks I'd hope.

Kuzma is the enigma. It all pretty much depends on how he's utilized. If they use his talents like they should, and Doc didn't, he could be one of our top 3 scorers. Or, he could be traded for draft capital. Gotta have room for Ament, Dieng, and Jaquez out there don't we?

I like the make-up of this team despite no super stars. Yet, Herro could become exactly that. His game could skyrocket alongside guys like Burries, Rollins, Jakucionis, and Porter Jr.

The Milwaukee Bucks' 2026-27 roster features a mix of veterans and young talent, including Tyler Herro, Kyle Kuzma, Myles Turner, and Kel'el Ware.​

Key Players and Positions​

• Tyler Herro – Guard, 6'5", 205 lbs, Age 26, Salary $33M
• Jaime Jaquez Jr. – Forward, 6'6", 225 lbs, Age 25, Salary $5.9M
• Kel'el Ware – Center, 7'0", 230 lbs, Age 22, Salary $4.6M
• Kasparas Jakucionis – Guard, 6'5", 200 lbs, Age 20, Salary $3.8M
• Myles Turner – Center-Forward, 6'11", 250 lbs, Age 30, Salary $26.6M
• Kyle Kuzma – Forward, 6'8", 221 lbs, Age 30, Salary $20.5M
• AJ Green – Guard, 6'4", 190 lbs, Age 26, Salary $10M
• Kevin Porter Jr. – Guard, 6'5", 203 lbs, Age 26, Player Option $5.4M
• Ryan Rollins – Guard, 6'3", 180 lbs, Age 24, Salary $4M
• Gary Trent Jr. – Guard, 6'5", 204 lbs, Age 27, Salary $3.9M
• Taurean Prince – Forward, 6'6", 218 lbs, Age 32, Player Option $3.8M
• Gary Harris – Guard, 6'4", 210 lbs, Age 31, Player Option $3.8M
• Jericho Sims – Center, 6'10", 250 lbs, Age 27, Salary $2.8M
• Andre Jackson Jr. – Guard, 6'6", 209 lbs, Age 24, Team Option $2.4M
• Cormac Ryan – Guard, 6'5", 200 lbs, Age 27, Two-way contract
• Brayden Burries – Guard, 6'4", 215 lbs, Age 20, Salary $6.4M
• Nate Ament – Forward, 6'10", 211 lbs, Age 19, Salary $5.5M
• Malique Lewis – Forward, 6'8", 195 lbs, Age 21, Salary TBD
• Ousmane Dieng – Forward, 6'9", 185 lbs, Age 23, Restricted Free Agent
• Thanasis Antetokounmpo – Forward, 6'7", 219 lbs, Age 33, Restricted Free Agent
• Alex Antetokounmpo – Forward, 6'8", 214 lbs, Age 24, Restricted Free Agent

And yes, I totally agree. They do have the potential of making the playoffs which would be a great finish in my book.

 

[DoURant]

There are some interesting talents that came to the Bucks through this trade. Jacquez is a prime example. He was the #2 man in the league for 6th-man in voting. That has to make you smile considering he averaged over 15 a game last year. He's a swing player at 6-6 and can move freely around the court. Add in Ware at 7 ft., and you have what could be our "future center," replacing overpriced Myles Turner. Add in Jericho Sims at center and you have a much better depth than we've had in the past.

The list of guards is incredible. The Bucks will be trading some of that talent for 2nd round picks I'd hope.

Kuzma is the enigma. It all pretty much depends on how he's utilized. If they use his talents like they should, and Doc didn't, he could be one of our top 3 scorers. Or, he could be traded for draft capital. Gotta have room for Ament, Dieng, and Jaquez out there don't we?

I like the make-up of this team despite no super stars. Yet, Herro could become exactly that. His game could skyrocket alongside guys like Burries, Rollins, Jakucionis, and Porter Jr.

The Milwaukee Bucks' 2026-27 roster features a mix of veterans and young talent, including Tyler Herro, Kyle Kuzma, Myles Turner, and Kel'el Ware.​

Key Players and Positions​

• Tyler Herro – Guard, 6'5", 205 lbs, Age 26, Salary $33M
• Jaime Jaquez Jr. – Forward, 6'6", 225 lbs, Age 25, Salary $5.9M
• Kel'el Ware – Center, 7'0", 230 lbs, Age 22, Salary $4.6M
• Kasparas Jakucionis – Guard, 6'5", 200 lbs, Age 20, Salary $3.8M
• Myles Turner – Center-Forward, 6'11", 250 lbs, Age 30, Salary $26.6M
• Kyle Kuzma – Forward, 6'8", 221 lbs, Age 30, Salary $20.5M
• AJ Green – Guard, 6'4", 190 lbs, Age 26, Salary $10M
• Kevin Porter Jr. – Guard, 6'5", 203 lbs, Age 26, Player Option $5.4M
• Ryan Rollins – Guard, 6'3", 180 lbs, Age 24, Salary $4M
• Gary Trent Jr. – Guard, 6'5", 204 lbs, Age 27, Salary $3.9M
• Taurean Prince – Forward, 6'6", 218 lbs, Age 32, Player Option $3.8M
• Gary Harris – Guard, 6'4", 210 lbs, Age 31, Player Option $3.8M
• Jericho Sims – Center, 6'10", 250 lbs, Age 27, Salary $2.8M
• Andre Jackson Jr. – Guard, 6'6", 209 lbs, Age 24, Team Option $2.4M
• Cormac Ryan – Guard, 6'5", 200 lbs, Age 27, Two-way contract
• Brayden Burries – Guard, 6'4", 215 lbs, Age 20, Salary $6.4M
• Nate Ament – Forward, 6'10", 211 lbs, Age 19, Salary $5.5M
• Malique Lewis – Forward, 6'8", 195 lbs, Age 21, Salary TBD
• Ousmane Dieng – Forward, 6'9", 185 lbs, Age 23, Restricted Free Agent
• Thanasis Antetokounmpo – Forward, 6'7", 219 lbs, Age 33, Restricted Free Agent
• Alex Antetokounmpo – Forward, 6'8", 214 lbs, Age 24, Restricted Free Agent

And yes, I totally agree. They do have the potential of making the playoffs which would be a great finish in my book.

They traded Harris and Prince for Caris LeVert and a couple 2nd rd picks. I like the way the roster is shaping, and suspect another trade will be made, sometime before the season starts

 

[Pokerbrat2000]

The Bucks will be trading some of that talent for 2nd round picks I'd hope.

Tyler Herro – Guard, 6'5", 205 lbs, Age 26, Salary $33M

Rumors/Speculation is that Tyler won't be in Milwaukee long enough to play in the upcoming season for the Bucks. His contract expires after this season and it probably is more prudent for the rebuilding Bucks to get as much as they can for him now.

 

[Heyjoe4]

There are some interesting talents that came to the Bucks through this trade. Jacquez is a prime example. He was the #2 man in the league for 6th-man in voting. That has to make you smile considering he averaged over 15 a game last year. He's a swing player at 6-6 and can move freely around the court. Add in Ware at 7 ft., and you have what could be our "future center," replacing overpriced Myles Turner. Add in Jericho Sims at center and you have a much better depth than we've had in the past.

The list of guards is incredible. The Bucks will be trading some of that talent for 2nd round picks I'd hope.

Kuzma is the enigma. It all pretty much depends on how he's utilized. If they use his talents like they should, and Doc didn't, he could be one of our top 3 scorers. Or, he could be traded for draft capital. Gotta have room for Ament, Dieng, and Jaquez out there don't we?

I like the make-up of this team despite no super stars. Yet, Herro could become exactly that. His game could skyrocket alongside guys like Burries, Rollins, Jakucionis, and Porter Jr.

The Milwaukee Bucks' 2026-27 roster features a mix of veterans and young talent, including Tyler Herro, Kyle Kuzma, Myles Turner, and Kel'el Ware.​

Key Players and Positions​

• Tyler Herro – Guard, 6'5", 205 lbs, Age 26, Salary $33M
• Jaime Jaquez Jr. – Forward, 6'6", 225 lbs, Age 25, Salary $5.9M
• Kel'el Ware – Center, 7'0", 230 lbs, Age 22, Salary $4.6M
• Kasparas Jakucionis – Guard, 6'5", 200 lbs, Age 20, Salary $3.8M
• Myles Turner – Center-Forward, 6'11", 250 lbs, Age 30, Salary $26.6M
• Kyle Kuzma – Forward, 6'8", 221 lbs, Age 30, Salary $20.5M
• AJ Green – Guard, 6'4", 190 lbs, Age 26, Salary $10M
• Kevin Porter Jr. – Guard, 6'5", 203 lbs, Age 26, Player Option $5.4M
• Ryan Rollins – Guard, 6'3", 180 lbs, Age 24, Salary $4M
• Gary Trent Jr. – Guard, 6'5", 204 lbs, Age 27, Salary $3.9M
• Taurean Prince – Forward, 6'6", 218 lbs, Age 32, Player Option $3.8M
• Gary Harris – Guard, 6'4", 210 lbs, Age 31, Player Option $3.8M
• Jericho Sims – Center, 6'10", 250 lbs, Age 27, Salary $2.8M
• Andre Jackson Jr. – Guard, 6'6", 209 lbs, Age 24, Team Option $2.4M
• Cormac Ryan – Guard, 6'5", 200 lbs, Age 27, Two-way contract
• Brayden Burries – Guard, 6'4", 215 lbs, Age 20, Salary $6.4M
• Nate Ament – Forward, 6'10", 211 lbs, Age 19, Salary $5.5M
• Malique Lewis – Forward, 6'8", 195 lbs, Age 21, Salary TBD
• Ousmane Dieng – Forward, 6'9", 185 lbs, Age 23, Restricted Free Agent
• Thanasis Antetokounmpo – Forward, 6'7", 219 lbs, Age 33, Restricted Free Agent
• Alex Antetokounmpo – Forward, 6'8", 214 lbs, Age 24, Restricted Free Agent

And yes, I totally agree. They do have the potential of making the playoffs which would be a great finish in my book.

Thanks for the lineup info V. Good stuff all in one place.

Since the 2021 championship, the Bucks have not been fun to follow. A lot of truly bad decisions, almost all by Horst.

As you and others have noted, that's gonna change now with the Giannis trade. There was some talk of trading Herro for more picks, but I think he's the solid vet they build the team around. He is good and he's a hometown guy, so he's an instant fan favorite. And after losing Giannis AND Portis, the team needs a local hero, pun intended.

I'd certainly be happy with a 40-win season and a playoff or play-in opportunity. At least the Bucks would be fun to watch/follow again. Truly sad to lose Giannis, but time marches on.

 

[Voyageur]

They traded Harris and Prince for Caris LeVert and a couple 2nd rd picks. I like the way the roster is shaping, and suspect another trade will be made, sometime before the season starts

Yes. It was a good trade getting LeVert. It frees up being able to trade Kuzma who doesn't fit into the future plans of youth. I think keeping or trading Herro at this point is 50/50. They could sign him to a lucrative long-term contract and still keep themselves out of the penalty stages of salary cap. In the end, that could make him even more valuable in a trade come trade deadline, because some team wanting to make a run at it will end up needing someone as good as he is.

As for him being a long-term Buck, I tend to agree. I don't see it in the cards. I see them using him as leverage in a trade when it can bring in draft picks and young players developing.

What's most exciting about this team is that it's young and a lot of emerging talent. Some will stay with the team, some will end up being traded for more draft capital, or to fill other needs. The most intriguing part is that it isn't a team of 7 or 8 players and a bunch of fillers on the roster, it's more talented players than you can keep on the roster when the season starts and that makes them even more dangerous down the road.

 

[Pokerbrat2000]

A concerning thing for me when it comes to Herro was his availability this past season. He only played in 33 seasons. The reason for it might sound strangely familiar to Packer and Bucks fans.

"Tyler Herro played in only 33 games during the 2025-26 NBA season primarily due to an injury-plagued campaign that included offseason ankle surgery, followed by a toe issue and rib complications. Additionally, reports indicated a growing frustration within the franchise regarding his availability, as he was often cleared to return but delayed taking the court until he was completely pain-free."

 

[Heyjoe4]

Yes. It was a good trade getting LeVert. It frees up being able to trade Kuzma who doesn't fit into the future plans of youth. I think keeping or trading Herro at this point is 50/50. They could sign him to a lucrative long-term contract and still keep themselves out of the penalty stages of salary cap. In the end, that could make him even more valuable in a trade come trade deadline, because some team wanting to make a run at it will end up needing someone as good as he is.

As for him being a long-term Buck, I tend to agree. I don't see it in the cards. I see them using him as leverage in a trade when it can bring in draft picks and young players developing.

What's most exciting about this team is that it's young and a lot of emerging talent. Some will stay with the team, some will end up being traded for more draft capital, or to fill other needs. The most intriguing part is that it isn't a team of 7 or 8 players and a bunch of fillers on the roster, it's more talented players than you can keep on the roster when the season starts and that makes them even more dangerous down the road.

Agree V. The benefit of trading Giannis, and even Portis, is a complete reset of the team. Agree that Kuzma doesn't fit. I hope Herro stays. Even a rebuilding franchise needs one guy who is dependable and who fans can get behind. And this is a homecoming for Herro, so the Bucks might as well take advantage of it. (Well assuming Herro wants to be here. A young guy with a lot of money is gonna prefer South Beach to the South Side.)

 

[Voyageur]

Agree V. The benefit of trading Giannis, and even Portis, is a complete reset of the team. Agree that Kuzma doesn't fit. I hope Herro stays. Even a rebuilding franchise needs one guy who is dependable and who fans can get behind. And this is a homecoming for Herro, so the Bucks might as well take advantage of it. (Well assuming Herro wants to be here. A young guy with a lot of money is gonna prefer South Beach to the South Side.)

I've gotten the impression that Herro would actually like to stay in Milwaukee if things could be worked out for him to stay long term. His roots in the area are deep, and I think he could make the kind of community connections that Portis and Connaughton did. Embracing the community and them returning it can be a blessing for Herro and the team as well. It's always good to have "hometown heroes," even though Portis and Connie weren't hometown boys, they became imbedded in the community.

Herro is only 26, so in his prime. His next roughly 4 seasons should be good ones.

The only question is figuring out the playing time for all the guards they'll have on the roster. The way Burries has played in the summer league to this point is downright scary. The guy has been a standout in all phases of the game and may well end up being one of the starting guards early into the season. They have a logjam at guard so, anything can happen.

Trading Portis and Giannis reminded me of when the Bucks traded Jabbar to the Lakers. They stockpiled a lot of good talent with that trade and became competitors despite not having the money to throw around like the Lakers and Knicks. They were so close on a few occasions of getting championships.

My only question at this point is how the team will mesh as an entire team. This is something we won't know until the season starts. But I do know one thing based on the information I've been able to find. They hired a head coach whose history is as a solid developer of young talent, and right now, that's exactly what the Bucks are. A lot of young potential but it still has to be developed. That's why I put 40 wins on the table as a possibility. They could go slightly higher, or could tank, and be lucky to get 30. It all depends on how they mold together as a team.